E30 Wheels, offsets, tire sizes, ASK HERE

**Mystikal** · 05-17-2005, 11:41 AM

Okay, this thread will be dedicated to answering all questions E30-related about wheel sizing, geometry, and the accompanying tires. Of course this is to be used only as a rough guide, maXbimmer holds no responsibilty if you cram a tire into a fender.

To start, here are very informative Tirerack links explaining common terms:

Centrebore

Offset

Bolt Pattern

For tire sizing, RWD E30s used two different rolling diameters, 195/60/14 and 195/65/14. The larger 195/65 was used on plastic bumper cars, but that diameter will fit just fine on all models, and provide a more accurate speedometer (they all read quite high stock). Notice I say diameter, meaning that for all upgrade purposes compare the new tire size with 195/65/14. All of the 325iX models used 205/55/15 tires. To calculate accurate upgrade sizes, look at this link:

Miata.net Tire Size Calculator

Factory wheel specs:
14" Bottlecaps: 14x6", ET33 (all non-iS non-iX cars, basically)
14" Basketweaves: 14x6.5", ET30 (all iS cars and some eS cars)
15" Basketweaves (iX): 15x7", ET41 (all 325iX models)
15" Basketweaves (Euro-only): 15x7" ET24 (option on European cars)

Now, this thread is open to all questions regarding fitment of wheels/tires. Discussion of "what tire should I buy?" or "what colour should I spray paint my 18 year old bottlecaps" will be deleted or otherwise moved from the thread. Fitment questions only. Note: answers may include tire recommendations in that particular size, but please no direct questions regarding tire choice.

Axxe · 05-17-2005, 03:53 PM

Good idea Jay, I just want to say that if you want good looking, well priced wheels that fit perfect without spacers, Ronal LS is the way to go. Kosei K-1's are another 15" wheel that fit well and look decent as well.

Ronal LS

Kosei K1 Racing

King Luis · 05-17-2005, 04:31 PM

so what is the offset of the stock basketweaves?? and or what should people keep their offset around when buying rims?

jello_g · 05-17-2005, 06:31 PM

The stock basketweaves on my 325ix are 15" as opposed to 14". Are the spindles (the hexagonal center piece with the BMW emblem) interchangeable between the 14" and 15" rims?

windsor318is · 05-17-2005, 06:41 PM

can i fit 22's on my e30 jay?? lol

paul christians · 05-17-2005, 08:38 PM

WOW 22 on a e30......22+3=25 so maybe yes....I thick it would look funny but it is your car dude..........

**Mystikal** · 05-17-2005, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Luis

so what is the offset of the stock basketweaves?? and or what should people keep their offset around when buying rims?

Added all the stock wheel specs. Keep your target around ET25, but there is leaway in either direction because tire sizing and wheel width can play around with it a bit. But realistically, any wheel that's ET25 or near there and is 7.5" wide or less will fit fine.

Ask any specific fitment question and I can tell you what tire size will work and what spacers are needed, if any.

ZiMMie · 05-17-2005, 08:53 PM

hey Jay i didnt know they Made basketweaves in 16X7.5 Offset 27. now those will be nice.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...10&hg=36&fg=15

**Mystikal** · 05-17-2005, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jello_g

The stock basketweaves on my 325ix are 15" as opposed to 14". Are the spindles (the hexagonal center piece with the BMW emblem) interchangeable between the 14" and 15" rims?

No, the basketweaves centercaps are different for 14" and 15" wheels. However, the European market 15" wheels use the same hubcaps as the iX 15" wheels, so there are plenty of them floating around on Ebay.de, etc.

**Mystikal** · 05-17-2005, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by windsor318is

can i fit 22's on my e30 jay?? lol

Yes, with 235/10/22 tires. Find some of those and you're set!

**Mystikal** · 05-17-2005, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZiMMie

hey Jay i didnt know they Made basketweaves in 16X7.5 Offset 27. now those will be nice.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...10&hg=36&fg=15

As far as I know, the 16x7.5" baskets were only made in 5x120, for the later edition Sport Evo M3's. Odd that they're listed there under 325i.

jello_g · 05-17-2005, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mystikal

...the basketweaves centercaps are different for 14" and 15" wheels. However, the European market 15" wheels use the same hubcaps as the iX 15" wheels, so there are plenty of them floating around on Ebay.de, etc.

Cool, thanks for the info!

oldskool3 · 05-19-2005, 03:45 PM

Is there a way that I can mesure my offset by any chance?

Also what sized tire would be good for a wheel that is 16"X7.5". I want something a little low profile but nothing insane or anything. Thanks a lot.

Good idea on the thread

bmwm5lover · 05-19-2005, 04:07 PM

205 50 16 I believe is pretty accurate, or 205 55 16

On a side note, AWESOME thread for us e30 guys (not that I need it anymore).

**Mystikal** · 05-19-2005, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldskool3

Is there a way that I can mesure my offset by any chance?

Also what sized tire would be good for a wheel that is 16"X7.5". I want something a little low profile but nothing insane or anything. Thanks a lot.

Good idea on the thread

I'd leave it to a wheel shop, you need a very precise meter. What wheel is that, sounds like those ACS replicas on sale here a while back (16x7.5" 4x100 wheels are rare, I'm just guessing here).

You can run 205/50/16 for sure, or if the offset is ET22-ET27 you can run a 225/45/16, which is better for obvious reasons. If I were you I'd mount a 205/50/16 (used one, cheap/free from a shop) on one wheel and try it on the front and rear of the car, just to see if you need spacers at all.